Click here to view photos from the event available for purchase!
See gallery entitled "Children's Museum Triathlon 2009."

On the last Saturday of May, a group of children learned a very important life lesson: it’s not always about winning, sometimes it’s about trying. As they crossed the finish line at the Second Annual Just Tri It! Kids Triathlon, sponsored by the Children’s Museum of St. Johns and in partnership with the St. Johns County Recreation & Parks Department, these kids discovered that triumphant feeling that comes with pushing yourself to conquer a new challenge.

More than 110 children participated in the non-competitive triathlon for children ages 6-12. Last year’s event, with just over 70 athletes, was the first ever triathlon event for kids held in St. Johns County. This year’s race consisted of a swim, a bike ride, and a run, with distances adjusted for each age group (6-7, 8-10 and 11-12). The fun and safe race course was located at the Galimore Community Center at Eddie Vickers Park in downtown St. Augustine. All proceeds benefited the Children’s Museum of St. Johns (CMSJ), a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.

“Participation, a positive experience and a sense of accomplishment are what our young athletes walked away with after the Just Tri It! Triathlon,” explained Jennifer Koppman, President of the Children’s Museum of St. Johns. “With an emphasis on completion rather than competition, our event offers a unique opportunity for family members, volunteers, and sponsors to encourage physical activity and establish a life-long healthy foundation for kids.”

Susan Connor, CMSJ Vice President and one of several people who greeted participants at the finish line, said, “Seeing such huge smiles on the kids’ faces and how proud they were of themselves showed how empowering such an accomplishment can be.” All participants of Just Tri It! were awarded medals for their achievement, regardless of their finishing times.

“The Just Tri It! Kids Triathlon is a perfect fit with our mission – an opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy healthy, active lifestyles while enjoying the great natural beauty of our county. Together, the Children’s Museum of St. Johns and St. Johns County are providing a fun and healthy way for kids to have a feeling of accomplishment and encourage self-esteem,” said Troy Blevins, Director of St. Johns County Recreation & Parks Department.

The Recreation & Parks Department worked hand in hand with the triathlon planning committee to manage on-site logistics and coordination of the event.

In addition to the triathlon for older children, the event also featured a 100-yard Fun Run for kids ages 4-6 and a 50-yard Tot Trot for kids ages three and under. Each runner received a blue ribbon and tee shirt.

Prior to and following the event, there were plenty of festivities to entertain race participants and their families, including interactive booths highlighting healthy food choices and how the body works, games, and smoothies, bottled water and cookies compliments of event sponsors.

Title sponsors of the event included Health Park Foot & Ankle, Anastasia Pediatrics and Steve Chapman’s All-American Air. Additional event sponsors included Chick-Fil-A, Diane’s Natural Market, Facial Rejuvenation Centre, Florida Sports Medicine Institute, Smiles by Glenos, Kemp Commercial Realty, Gordon Dental Associates, Kresge Platt & Abare PLLC, La Cocina International Restaurant, Orthopaedic Associates if St. Augustine, Panache Salon & Boutique, Sertoma Club, Sheppard & Sheppard, P.A., Sprockets Bicycle Shop, St. Johns County Recreation & Parks Department and Tropical Smoothie Café. Also sponsoring the event were A1A Cycle Works, Ancient City Pediatrics, Canan Law, Manucy Roofing, McLellan Dental, NutshellCity.com, Re/Max Unlimited, Sunshine Realty & Appraisal Services, and Thompson Realty & Development.